Shift in Resistance Tactics in Gaza
Recent developments in the Gaza Strip indicate a significant shift in the tactics employed by Palestinian resistance factions against Israeli occupation forces. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, have transitioned from individual operations to more complex martyrdom operations and ambushes. This change was highlighted in a video released on December 14, coinciding with the anniversary of Hamas's founding, which featured the slogan, "We do not surrender... We win or we die."
The video showcased the Al-Faluja ambush, executed by Qassam fighters near Jabalia camp. This ambush is seen as a strategic evolution, marking a new phase in the brigades' combat approach, emphasizing qualitative martyrdom operations from “zero distance.” This term has been used by the Qassam Brigades to describe their attacks since the 2014 conflict, indicating a focus on close-quarter engagements with Israeli forces.
Recent Operations and Casualties
On December 20, the Qassam Brigades reported a complex operation in Jabalia camp, resulting in the death and injury of Israeli soldiers. A Qassam fighter successfully killed a sniper and his assistant before disguising himself as an Israeli soldier to infiltrate a military unit, detonating an explosive belt that caused further casualties. Military experts, including Elias Hanna and Colonel Hatem Karim Al-Falahi, have noted that this type of operation represents a significant tactical advancement for the Palestinian resistance, particularly as it marks the first martyrdom operation within Gaza since 2002.
The Israeli military has been conducting operations in northern Gaza for approximately 80 days, attempting to displace residents as part of a broader strategy. Despite this, the Qassam Brigades claim to have killed 60 Israeli officers and soldiers and wounded hundreds more during the conflict, with a notable number of casualties attributed to sniper attacks.
Escalation of 'Zero Distance' Attacks
The Qassam Brigades have increasingly employed 'zero distance' attacks, particularly in northern Gaza, including Beit Lahia and Jabalia camp. Recent reports detail a fighter stabbing an Israeli officer and three soldiers at close range, marking a notable escalation in the nature of resistance operations. Additionally, a fighter reportedly killed an Israeli soldier near a Merkava tank, showcasing the evolving tactics that prioritize close combat and ambush strategies.
These developments reflect a broader shift in the Palestinian resistance narrative, encapsulated in the Qassam slogan of "victory or martyrdom," as they adapt their strategies to the ongoing conflict with Israeli forces.
